Meeting for Sufferings: Gender diversity statement from Quaker Life Central Committee
An initial statement about gender diversity was brought to the attention of Meeting for Sufferings
Jocelyn Burnell, co-clerk of Quaker Life Central Committee (QLCC), drew Friends’ attention to an initial statement on gender diversity at Meeting for Sufferings.
The paper, which will be circulated to Meetings in the near future, begins with a commitment from QLCC to ‘this being the start of a discussion for the comfort and discomfort of all Friends’.
It continues: ‘We are aware of the pain and hardship around this topic and hold all Meetings in the Light and in our hearts during this exploration.’
The rights of women’s organisations, transgender individuals and the self-expressions of the Society’s children and young people are all included in the statement. It condemns ‘all forms of bigotry, oppression and discrimination’ and expresses the intention to ‘move forward together in making our Society a truly welcoming place for all’.
